Infamous

I hurry out of work. Halfway to the car, I run into a co-worker I hadn't seen in a while. We catch up on work news and kid news. I tell her about Holy Terror's kindergarten assessment.

"Oh yeah. Holy Terror." She laughs. "I'll always remember him as the little redhead who asked Santa if he and Frosty loved each other...and if they kissed."

...Only 5 and already infamous...

If you haven't been following for a while and wonder what I'm talking about, here's the post.

Kayaking with My Boy

One of the highlights of our vacation, for me, was going kayaking in Bodega Harbor with my oldest son. After breakfast we prepared the kayaks and walked over the mound to the small boat launch perched on the southern side of the harbor waters. To the left of us was the harbor mouth, which opened into the shallow bay and the huge Pacific Ocean.

We hopped off the boat pier, climbed over the slimy rocks, and across the small sandy beach. With one more look out at the blue-filled morning, we pushed off and headed up into the harbor. Following the shallow shoreline we found ourselves gliding over a deep kelp forest. Looking into its depths, I was humbled...and a little frightened. Just a few feet below, the clear cold water went dark, hiding the rest of the depths.

We moved from the shoreline out a little closer to the boat markers and found ourselves above the open grey-green waters. To our left, in the center of the channel, a family of seals popped above water and paced with us. A few looked over, to see what we were about before all of them dipped under. A few markers ahead they popped back up in our path. They kept about the same distance either to our left or in front, though once or twice a dark shadow glided below our kayaks, making us wonder where they were hanging when below surface.

Parkour Boy was having a blast and being fit, I found myself - a pretty good kayaker - working to keep pace with him.

About thirty minutes in we paused to take a sip and decide which way we wanted to go from there, when I looked down and weaving through the kelp was a small bat ray. It continued underneath me and then wound back around, underneath Parkour before going back into the depths of the kelp forest. My only regret was not getting the camera out in time to take a photo of it. (I included a stock image for those of you who've never seen a bat ray before.)

On our way back, we got quite a workout as the tide was still coming in. At a couple points we were paddling and not going anywhere. It was fun, going nowhere, and laughing with my son though. He's so strong and resilient with such an adventurous spirit.

I was pooped by the time we made it back to the bay side of the beaches, where the rest of the family was waiting and hanging out. I fell onto the beach blanket with my jelly arms and legs while my son went off with his sister to check out a rumored coastal cave up around the bend.

What a moment I hope Parkour Boy will cherish into adulthood. I know I will.

Finding Home

A couple decades ago we parked the car. Opening the door, the rolling rumble called to me with the whip of the wind. Sea Gulls squacked with nuisance. The smell of salt and exposed algea assaulted by nostrils.

Making my way over the last sandy hill scattered with long grass, boulders, and tough flowers, the edge of North America welcomed me.

My heart was lost.

My soul settled watching the wave crest and break onto the beach. Out beyond the white caps my eyes took in the vastness of the beautiful grey-green waters. Peace spread through me as I looked even farther beyond, where the sky merged with the horizon and became one with the ocean.

From the earliest moment I could remember, of all the towns and cities we'd ever lived, I knew I wasn't home. And trust me, we lived a lot of places. None of them called to me.

This place didn't just call, it sung. I'd never touched toe to sand before, yet knew it was the place I belonged. I will never live to far away and will always be comforted in this part of the world.

Even as this is posting the family and I are reconnecting with the ocean and enjoying our time on the beach. I hope everyone has the opportunity to find their place in the world and has the maturity to appreciate it.

The Calm Moments

The first summer night, a lukewarm breeze cooling the hot air of the day. The sky watered down by city lights, allowing only the brightest and biggest stars to twinkle down. The scents of grass and pool water mix with those of the garden and concrete.

Hubby sits on a patio chair and I relax on the back stoop. With his legs crossed in that way I've only seen Norris men do, he's got his cigarette propped on his lips and is looking out at the dark. He glances over and grins, his dark green eyes sparkling even in the darkness. I smile back and nod, then look back out at the sky.

Not too much talking, just enjoying the calm moment of our house. Those moments are a rarity and reminds me that Hubby and I are more than just parents. More than just providers.

We're a couple, partners in life even when the dogs grow old and pass on. Even when the kids grow up and move on to their own life. It's nice to know that even when we have nothing much to say, we can feel completely connected.

Graduation Celebration

I remember when we first met. Nerves were on hyper drive as Hubby and I pulled up to his parents house. Their house, as usual during holidays, was totally decked out. His mother loves decorating; just think Martha Stewart x's 100. (Not kidding, at least 1 decorated tree in every room with a different theme...including bedrooms.)

No, it wasn't the first meeting with his parents (we'd already done that)...it was his little niece, Chelsea.

I walked in and saw the cutest 3 year old decked out in a beautiful Christmas dress and her pretty dark hair curling down her back. I fell in love. It wasn't until later that I realized it was the feeling of becoming an Auntie for the first time.

Now - so many years later - it was a sweet but sad moment yesterday evening, I watched her walk the stage to graduate high school. In my mind she's still that pretty little girl with the dimpled smile and bubbly giggle.

The greatest Auntie moment was when during the reception, she introduced me to her friends. It's always a kick to hear, "This is my Aunt Amber."

*Heart sigh*

Congrat's my wonderful Chelsea! You deserve it and Uncle and I can't wait to see the woman you become.

(In Photo: Hubby, Chelsea, Sister-in-Law Barbara)

Okay, I'm going to go cry again...but don't worry, they're happy tears.

Cow Milk and Ice Cream

When the teenagers were little and the toddlers not even thought of, our main transportation was the city bus. Well, time goes how it goes and our one car became two and the bus riding stopped.

We were on the way to dinner last Friday with my mom and her husband when a bus passed by. The little toddlers looked at it with amazement as they always do. Such an exciting and mysterious contraption for them. They talked about it like it was the most wonderful thing.

And then it hit me. That's what we need, a bus adventure.

Saturday morning we set up and headed out. Holy Terror and Super Wy were like human atoms, boucning around with excitement. The teenagers didn't quite get it, but were having fun and getting into the spirit.

There we stood waiting at the bus stop, Billy standing on the tree stump to keep watch. Within 5 minutes, he called, "Here it comes."

The big bus rumbled to a stop and shoosh the doors folded open. The little boys are shaking and making weird hyper squeaking noises. They stepped up behind me, holding their big sibling's hands. Of course, that is, long enough to get by me and zip to the back of the bus.

I had so much fun watching them look out the big windows and say hello to everyone who came on and off the bus during our 30 minute ride to downtown. Then we transferred to go from downtown to the other side of town, where we surprised Daddy at work and joined him for lunch at Foster Freeze.

Now, at this point you're probably wondering about the title of this post. "What does cow milk and ice cream have to do with the bus ride?"

Let me go on here. We finished our meals and started in on our ice cream dessert when Daddy asked Super Wy, "What is ice cream made of?"

"Milk," he responded, taking another lick.

"Where does milk come from?" Scarlet asked.

"Cows...they pee it out," he said in his most serious tone and took another lick.

...and now you know...I bet you thought I was going to have another emotional mommy moment pouring onto the screen, huh?

River Quest

With the return of the sun, the kids and I decided an adventure was in order. We packed up sandwiches, crackers, and drinks and headed out to the river trail.

The day was perfect with poofy clouds and a slight breeze. For some time we followed the paved walkway, then paused at a resting point.

"Mom, Mom. Let's go this way!" Holy Terror gestured.

Just beyond the paved walk, a little dirt path wandered out closer the riverbank. So, off the beaten path we went. About twenty feet in, we spotted a miniature house (the size of a small dog house) to the right, placed well into some bushes.

"That must be the Beavers' home," Drama Queen joked.

"Or the Bobcats," Parkour Boy countered.

Moving on, the path opened up to wetlands on one side and the river on the other. The grass was so green it looked almost neon. The smell of muddy river water and moist reeds filled the air.

"Animal tracks!" Super Wy exclaimed, dropping to a crouch. As I took a picture he looked up and smiled. "They're dinosaur tracks. Or a tiger."

Super Wy headed on, crouched and growling like a T-Rex on the hunt. We paused along a river bend and took some pretty pictures. Holy Terror pointed out the ducks with his long walking stick. Parkour Boy threw out a yelp and the ducks skimmed off the water and into the sky. But when I looked over, he hadn't been watching the ducks lift-off. He stood smiling down at Holy Terror who was giggling and smiling at the duck spectacle.

I played it cool and quietly enjoyed the brother moment, so as not to embarrass Parkour Boy at the "catch".

Throughout the next half-hour we joked and talked about the sights and sounds until we reached the end, where the river breaks through and seeps into the wetlands. The older kids jumped of the walk, down into the bank and helped the little boys down. The four explored the muddy area looking for fish and other nature treasures.

Certain moments caught my attention. Drama Queen holding Super Wy's hand as he worked his way to the edge. Parkour Boy grasping Holy Terrors shoulder before he lost his balance on a small log. Parkour Boy helping Drama Queen out of a deep soggy area so she wouldn't lose a shoe.

On the way back I remembered wishing I could whistle. This, so I could express the joy in my soul. The moment was so perfect. Thinking back on it now, I ache a little that we couldn't still be there.

It's these kinds of memories mothers cherish for a lifetime.

Parenting Posts

Today I wanted to have a little fun - as if the Kitty introduction and Perils of Super Wy entries weren't fun. Any-who...With the advances in technology it's become easier to document life as a parent. We'd like to share some of our post entries with you. (Just so you know, I've edited them because...well...this is a more public domain than FB).

Give Me Patience...or Duct Tape:

"Only in the minds of teenagers does leftover bread become a reason for verbal war..."

"...In teen speak, 'I hate you, Mom,' really means, 'I still love you but am frustrated I can't spend the night at friends house on a school night.'...just so you know. And the door slamming is a virtual hug of sorts."

"Holy Terror had one of his sleepless nights...I'm expecting the demon possession to happen about 11...wish me luck."

Crazy Goofy:

"Holy Terror and Super Wy have TP'd one of the dogs! OMG, I'd discipline but it's too funny. Poor Drake looks like a walking Puppy Mummy."

"...I turn on the faucet to get a glass of water and the pull-out spray bursts water all over me. Turns out Parkour Boy rubber-banded the handle down..."

"...Holy Terror and Super Wy are attacking Drama Queen's room and then hiding in the back of the hall closet. Drama Queen is about two seconds away from 'Dragon-Firing-Breathing' status."

"I busted Super Wy drinking my soda. He just gives his sparkly smile, goofy giggle, and says, "Ya, it's in my tummy."..."

In the end, one of Hubby's entries sums it up well: "Ok, so it's a good day...I love my family."

Remember?

I was busy cleaning up the lasagna dinner mess - and it was a mess - when Drama Queen turns towards me from where she's sitting at the computer.

"Hey, Mom. You remember my birthday, right?"

Now, I know this is an opening for something she wants to do for her birthday celebration in Fall(she starts planning almost a year in advance). But I decided to feign ignorance.

"Your birthday? You mean the last day of a 9 month pregnancy? The 6 hours of painful labor? The yearly reminder that you'll soon ditch me and never call anymore?" I wiggle my brows. "That day? Yeah, I think I remember that day. Why?"

Drama Queen rolls her eyes, but I can see the warm smile on her lips. "Oh my God, Mom. Whatever." She turns back to the computer.

Grandma's Wisdom

I sat watching her slowly nod off to sleep. The effort of Grandma's first soft-food meal etched her face and aggravated the pneumonia. The nurse had come in and turned her, then on a comforting smile left us to be.

I'd held up during the feeding, trying to joke off the embarrassment she was clearly feeling. Born into the Great Depression, coming of age during World War II, and working her whole life on farms and in heavy manufacturing, she was a woman of pride, strength, and integrity. And here she was, needing help from her granddaughter to take a single bite.

I could tell she'd rather face of the Angel of Death...and she'd probably win.

On the other hand, I didn't feel embarrassed. Instead, I felt honored to help this woman who was an integral part of my life. The reserved love and lessons she bestowed. I refused to have a stranger, nurse or not, feed this woman who was so important to me.

But now she was falling asleep and the fear started creeping in. If not this time, this visit...it would be one visit soon. She'd said so herself in the ICU bed, chuckling at the thought and saying with it, "Just get me out of this damn hospital first."

I was having a harder time with it. My grandmother would be gone and an era of our family would be over. This woman who was a no nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is, hardcore woman.

I wanted to cry.

I watched her and slowly my mind drifted back to childhood. There, I found my memories in her converted garage, laying next to my sister on the fold-out bed. The shadows of the large room scared me, and I sat waiting for a ghost.

My grandma came in to check on us, clearly embarrassed at "being caught" in the sentimental moment. My fear prompted her to come sit by me. She rested her hand at my side.

"There's ghosts in here," I whispered.

She shrugged. "Probably."

Like I said, she is a hardcore woman who tells it like it is. I didn't quite appreciate this characteristic of her then, though.

"They scare me. I want to sleep with you." I started to take off my blanket.

"No." she stated with finality and tucked me back in. "If you don't keep quiet you'll scare THEM away."

This struck me as odd and also as a potential strategy of ridding myself of evil ghosts. But the way she'd said it caught my attention. "What?"

She went on, speaking as if it were an afterthought. "They are so lonely and scared. They have to stay in the dark all the time and never get to go outside to play. Then they see these people, still alive, and realize they aren't and it scares them. Don't you think that's sad?"

I'd never thought of that. I found myself looking in all the corners to find a sad, lonely ghost. "Maybe."

She stood and looked down at me, the light from the hall making her white hair glow. With the light behind her, her frame was a dark shadow of strong arms and shoulders. At that moment, I knew she'd tell me straight and that she'd protect me if there were something evil in the room.

I remember that sly way she smiled. It was like a warrior at rest but also like a wise woman parting a long held secret. "Well, let's keep very quiet and lay here to sleep. That way you won't scare them off and they won't be lonely."

I nodded and she leaned down and kissed my cheek.

My mind back in the ICU room I sat and smiled. She was always great at being realistic but also getting you to rise above your fears.

Yup, whether she had to kick your butt to do it, or tell you a slick story.

Man, I love this woman and no matter what happens, when, she won't be scared. Grandma will be kicking down the pearly gates and insisting God and all the angels clean up their rooms. Then she'll have a serious talk about how things are running and how they should run.

If you find me laughing when that time does come, Grandma, don't take it personal. It's not at you, it's with you.

Sopapilla Memories

Drama Queen and I, as any mother and teenage daughter, are either arguing or laughing...no in between. Lately, we'd been arguing more than laughing. I felt frustrated, like a wall slowly being built up between us, one neither could seem to break down.

So, I decided that the cure was sopapillas.

I do not like to cook by nature and skill (or really, lack of skill). However, there are a few things I love to make, especially with my kids. My daughter has a passion for it beyond even her father's joy of cooking.

Her and I's favorite thing to make together is cakes....and sopapillas. Sopapilla's are a family tradition in my household, started by my Grandpa and Grandma Murrillo. Some of my fondest memories are hanging out at their house while the smells of floured dough frying in the oil filled the house. Then the whiff of cinnamon sugar as they were promptly dripped off and dropped into the sugary goodness to be sweetened.

The pastries, memories, and time together worked.

My daughter has the funniest humor and sees life in such a dramatic and creative way. She's emotionally viewed, instead of logical. This is probably where we clash most of the time. But with sopapilla making, we both work in tandem.

I know that I can be hard on my kids and expect more from them than I should. I grew up quick and there wasn't a long time to be a kid. I sometimes forget that Hubby and I worked hard so that she and her siblings could take their time growing up and having a childhood.

Spending this kind of time with her helps me remember that not only do I need to let Drama Queen be herself, I need to let myself enjoy Drama Queen being herself.

She's okay. I'm okay. Her and I will be okay...and, of course, the sopapillas were yummy.

Falling Asleep

Laid out on the couch, Super Wy watches above him. Round, and round, and round the fan blades go. The light breeze floats down, rippling his beautiful curly red hair. His eyes slowly lose focus.

Round, and round, and round...

His eyelids droop, flutter, droop. They close for just a moment before opening back up. His eyes look again at the fan blades.

Round, and round, and round...

With a purse of his cute little lips he gives a sly smile and lets his eyelids finally close all the way.

Night, night Super Wy....sweet dreams.

Halloween Memories

Tomorrow is Halloween and as probably in your home, things have been hectic at the Norris Ranch in preparation of the festivities. Even during the hectic time, I find my nostalgia kicking into high gear. Many moments where I find myself remembering little things about Halloween past in our household.

The older kids have started picking more “mature” outfits with high scare, creepy, or gross out factors. But there was a time where they, like the little boys now, picked their hero or icon.

For about 6 years Sea Scout Boy was nothing but Batman…every year. At the time, it drove me nuts. I’d get aggravated and try to talk him into ANYTHING else. But he was devoted and when he slipped on the bat suit, you could see in his eyes the transformation into superhero…getting ready to fight crime in Gotham City (well, by way of Napa). Thinking back and loving the memory, I don’t quite remember why I spent so many frustrated hours trying to make him be something he didn’t want to be.

Drama Queen was my creative one. She had to be something different every year, and none of them linked to the previous year. Witch, cheerleader, Robin, Spider Queen…every year was a new surprise. I also argued with her, but because I wanted her to choose the costumes I remembered having as a kid. Her and I have always been polar in this area. And, of course, now I wonder why I spent so much time trying to conform her into my image.

This year is the first where Holy Terror is preparing his trick-or-treat strategy (practicing his firm “Trick or Treat” and “Thank You”). This is the first year where Super-Wy realizes what is going on and just might make it beyond a half block before his meltdown.

My memories are bittersweet as I look back on the first time we walked them around, the first time they went to the doors by themselves, the first time they walked without us.

As for this year?

I look forward to handing out the candy and waiting for the little boys to come home and tell me all about their Halloween adventure with dad.

I hope to look back fondly at the older kids milestones of trick or treating by themselves in a different neighborhood and attending their first Halloween party. I also hope they’ll come home and tell me all about their adventures too.

Ash and I are happy they are growing up, but sad they are growing up…why does parenting have to be so contradictory?

Now, I have to remember that by tomorrow I’ll be all in the events with my game face on and happy they're enjoying themselves. I’ll bring you more news and pictures on Sunday.

Happy Halloween to all our family and friends! Enjoy the memories you’re making, because you can’t make them over again!